Anyone who’s ever tried to track down a specific fabric for a quilt or a winter coat knows the drill: you type “fabric store near me” into your phone and hope for the best. In Dublin, the search is more promising than you might expect — from a specialist quilting shop in the city centre to a historic chain that’s been outfitting Irish sewers since the 1930s.

4 related posts

Fabric stores in Dublin: 10+ listed on Yelp ·
Popular local chain: Guineys (est. 1930s) ·
Known for quilt fabric: The Fabric Counter & CLOTH ·
Top winter fabric types: Wool, fleece, down ·
Cheapest fabric countries: China, India, Bangladesh

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Here are five key facts with one takeaway: Dublin’s fabric scene is small but specialised – perfect for quilting and everyday sewing, less so for bulk wholesale.

Fact Value Source
Quilt shops in Dublin At least 3: CLOTH, The Fabric Counter, Guineys The Fabric Counter (official website)
Cheapest fabric source country China (lowest typical cost per yard) Goldenpages (Irish business directory)
Irish traditional fabric Linen (flax-based) CLOTH Dublin (shop website)
Best winter fabric type Wool (tested by House of U) House of U (lifestyle publication)
Number of fabric stores on Yelp Dublin 10+ in top results Yelp (user reviews)

Are there quilt shops in Dublin, Ireland?

List of quilt-friendly fabric stores in Dublin

  • The Fabric Counter – “a modern fabric and haberdashery shop specializing in craft, quilting, and dress fabric” in Dublin city centre (The Fabric Counter (official website)). Open Monday 11am–4pm per Yelp; call ahead to confirm.
  • CLOTH Dublin – “textiles and notions for apparel and interiors”, with quilting supplies (The Shopkeepers (Dublin retail directory)). Small, mother-daughter-run shop.
  • Guineys – affordable fabrics, linings, and basic quilting materials; multiple Dublin locations (Goldenpages (Irish business directory)).
  • Quiltyarnstitch.com – online shop advertising quilting and dressmaking fabrics (Quiltyarnstitch.com (online craft retailer)).

What to look for in a quilt shop

  • Wide selection of cotton prints – essential for patchwork
  • Batting and backing fabrics – check for 100% cotton or blends
  • Notions – rotary cutters, rulers, threads, and patterns
  • Friendly staff who can advise on the “rule of 7” (see FAQ)
The catch

Dublin has no dedicated quilt-only store. The Fabric Counter and CLOTH come closest, but their hours are limited. The implication: plan your visit around weekday mornings, or order online from Quiltyarnstitch.com (online craft retailer).

Bottom line: Dublin has at least three shops where quilters can find fabric and notions. Best bet: The Fabric Counter for dedicated quilting range, CLOTH for curated natural fabrics. Order online if you need a wider selection.

Which country is best for wholesale fabric?

Top countries for wholesale fabric: China, India, Bangladesh

  • China – largest textile production volume; widest range at low prices (Goldenpages (Irish business directory))
  • India – competitive for cotton and silk; traditional handloom sector (Goldenpages (Irish business directory))
  • Bangladesh – lowest labor costs; best for bulk mass-market fabric (Goldenpages (Irish business directory))

Cost vs. quality trade-offs

China offers the cheapest per-yard price for synthetics and blends, but lead times can be long. India’s cotton is high quality but slightly pricier. Bangladesh is ideal for very large orders, less so for small batches.

For Irish buyers, import duties and shipping add 15–30% to landed cost. A Wholesale Textiles (commercial supplier) in Cork provides an alternative for smaller wholesale purchases within Ireland.

The trade-off

If you’re an Irish small business, ordering from China might save 40% on material cost, but you’ll wait 6–8 weeks. Using a local wholesaler like Wholesale Textiles means faster delivery and easier returns, but higher per-yard price.

What textiles is Ireland known for?

Irish linen and tweed

Aran sweaters and wool

Aran wool is iconic – thick, cable-knit sweaters originally made from untreated sheep’s wool. Modern versions use blends, but the material remains a classic for Irish crafters.

For Irish textiles, CLOTH Dublin stocks linen and tweed (The Shopkeepers (Dublin retail directory)). The Fabric Counter also carries local wool options.

Bottom line: Ireland’s textile heritage is linen, tweed, and Aran wool. Dublin shoppers can find these at CLOTH and The Fabric Counter – often at a premium, but with guaranteed authenticity.

What is the best fabric for winter?

Wool: pros and cons

Upsides

  • Retains insulation even when wet
  • Natural, renewable fibre
  • Long-lasting

Downsides

  • Heavier than fleece
  • Can be itchy for sensitive skin
  • Dry clean only for many garments

Fleece: pros and cons

Upsides

  • Lightweight and quick-drying
  • Inexpensive (from €5/m)
  • Machine washable

Downsides

  • Not windproof
  • Pills over time
  • Synthetic – not biodegradable

Down and synthetic alternatives

Down offers the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, but loses insulation when wet. Synthetic fills (Primaloft, Thinsulate) mimic down at lower cost and dry faster. For winter garment making, House of U recommends wool as the most practical all-rounder (House of U (lifestyle publication)).

Bottom line: For Dublin winters, wool is the clear winner – stays warm even in damp conditions. Fleece is a cheap, light alternative for layering. Down is best for dry-cold days but useless in Irish drizzle.

Where can I buy a nice quilt?

Buying handcrafted quilts in Dublin

  • CLOTH Dublin – sells quilted homeware and might take commissions (The Shopkeepers (Dublin retail directory))
  • Local craft fairs – check Dublin City Council events for handmade textile markets
  • Etsy – filter by “Irish makers” for unique quilts (Etsy (global marketplace))

Online shops and marketplaces

Etsy lists dozens of artisan quilts from Irish sewers. Expect prices from €80–€300 depending on size and complexity. For a ready-made quilt, The Fabric Counter’s website also offers pre-made quilted items.

Which country has the cheapest fabrics?

Price comparison: China vs. India vs. Bangladesh

The table below shows how the three dominant countries compare on cost, minimum order, and delivery time.

Country Typical price per yard (cotton) Bulk minimum Lead time
China $1.50–$3.00 500 yards 6–10 weeks
India $2.00–$4.00 200 yards 4–6 weeks
Bangladesh $1.20–$2.50 1000 yards 8–12 weeks

Shipping and import costs

Add 12% duty on woven fabrics, 20% on synthetic blends when importing to Ireland from outside EU. Shipping from Asia adds €50–€150 for a small pallet. For small batches, a Wholesale Textiles (commercial supplier) in Cork may be more cost-effective despite higher per-yard price.

How to choose a fabric store near me?

Check for specialty: quilting, fashion, upholstery

  • Quilting – The Fabric Counter, CLOTH, Guineys
  • Fashion/dressmaking – CLOTH, Hickeys Bridal & Fabric Shop
  • Upholstery – Fabric Outlet (Newbridge, Cork), Guineys

Read reviews and compare pricing

Yelp lists 10+ fabric stores in Dublin with ratings. Top-rated: The Fabric Counter (4.5 stars), CLOTH (4.3 stars). Read recent reviews – some shops have changed hours post-COVID.

Look for bulk/wholesale options

For wholesale fabric in Dublin, the retail options are limited. Goldenpages indexes 17 fabric wholesalers in Ireland, but most are outside Dublin. If you need bulk, check Wholesale Textiles (commercial supplier) or contact Project Fashion in Swords for trade pricing. For more information on local soccer leagues, check out the Clare District Soccer League Guide. Clare District Soccer League Guide

What to watch

Many Dublin fabric stores do not update their hours online consistently. Call ahead or check Google Maps on the day. The Fabric Counter, for instance, opens only 11am–4pm Monday; CLOTH is open Tuesday–Saturday but occasionally closes for holidays.

Additional sources

tiktok.com, tripadvisor.com, reddit.com, facebook.com, yelp.com

For sewers who need a reliable source of materials, finding local fabric shops in Dublin offers a practical buying guide similar to the nationwide chain alternatives discussed here.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the rule of 7 in quilting?

The “rule of 7” is a quilting guideline: seven different fabrics make a visually balanced quilt. It’s not a hard rule – many quilters use 5–10 fabrics – but it helps avoid a messy look. Dublin quilters can find advice at The Fabric Counter.

Can I buy Irish linen in Dublin fabric stores?

Yes. CLOTH Dublin stocks Irish linen and tweed. Guineys also carries linen but with less variety. Online sources like Etsy offer Irish linen by the metre.

Which fabric store in Dublin has wholesale prices?

Most Dublin fabric shops are retail-only. For wholesale, try Wholesale Textiles in Cork or Project Fashion in Swords (trade customers). Goldenpages lists 17 wholesalers across Ireland.

What fabrics should I avoid for winter clothing?

Avoid thin cotton and silk – they don’t insulate. Also avoid 100% polyester without lining (can feel clammy). Stick to wool, fleece, or a wool-poly blend for warmth in damp Irish winters.

Is there a fabric market in Dublin?

No permanent fabric market. Occasional pop-ups happen at craft fairs (check Eventbrite). The best ongoing source is retail shops – The Fabric Counter, CLOTH, and Guineys are the go-to spots.

What we know vs. what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Dublin has at least three shops with quilting fabrics
  • Wool is the best winter fabric (House of U)
  • China is cheapest for wholesale fabric

What’s uncertain

  • Exact number of quilt-only shops in Dublin
  • Effect of Brexit on fabric import pricing
  • Live opening hours for most shops
  • Whether wholesale options will open in Dublin soon

Quotes from the community

“Exceptional service and best of fabrics from Ireland and around the world.”

CLOTH Dublin website (The Shopkeepers (Dublin retail directory))

“Which fabric is best for Winter? Wool tops our list for warmth, breathability, and durability.”

House of U (House of U (lifestyle publication))

For Dublin sewers and quilters, the choice is clear: visit The Fabric Counter or CLOTH for specialised needs, Guineys for everyday affordability, and check online for bulk wholesale. The city’s fabric scene is small but capable – just be sure to call ahead.